Laurent-Desire Kabila Biography

Leads the AFDL rebellion against Mobutu as fighting in eastern Zaire develops into the First Congo War.

Becomes political leader of the AFDL coalition challenging Mobutu's rule in eastern Zaire.

Begins reorganizing national institutions under presidential decrees following the restoration of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Sees AFDL forces capture Kisangani, opening the route toward western Zaire.

Takes control of Lubumbashi as AFDL advances collapse Mobutu's authority across the country.

Forms a new government dominated by the victorious AFDL after the fall of Mobutu.

Suspends political party activity after taking power and concentrates authority in the new presidency.

Kabila's alliance enters Kinshasa and ends Mobutu's rule.

Kabila restores the name Democratic Republic of the Congo after taking power.

Kabila issues a decree concentrating legislative and executive authority in the presidency.

Kabila takes the presidential oath and establishes a new central government.

Kabila orders foreign military personnel who supported his rebellion to leave the country.

Survives a rebel offensive toward Kinshasa after allied Angolan and Zimbabwean forces intervene.

Faces a new rebellion backed by Rwanda and Uganda as the Second Congo War begins in eastern Congo.

Participates in a Libyan-mediated agreement seeking to reduce regional involvement in the Congo war.

Kabila signs a regional ceasefire agreement providing for dialogue and foreign troop withdrawal.

Condemns fighting between Rwandan and Ugandan forces in Kisangani during the Second Congo War.

Laurent Kabila is shot at the presidential residence and dies from his wounds.